Footage shows the sea suddenly retreating at the Nanfang'ao harbour on the northeast coast of Taiwan following a powerful earthquake that triggered a tsunami warning this morning.

Fishing boats were seen losing control and unable to steer as the strong current pushed them out towards the ocean.

The quake struck at around 7.58 am local time off the east coast of the country sparking tsunami warnings, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The epicentre was around 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning. The organisation said the tidal wave would impact the northern coastal area and it warned residents to evacuate to higher ground.